Popular steward retires

Andrew Coulson Senior Reporter

A long-serving steward at Morpeth Rugby Club has decided to retire from the role.

Although Vi Mahaney was mainly working in Scotland before taking on the job 37 years ago, she did weekend shifts at the Beresford Arms in Whalton and that is where a number of Morpeth cricketers, some of whom were also members of the town’s rugby club, went after playing at their then home pitches in Belsay.

She was ready for a new challenge when the phone call came to find out if she was interested and she has overseen many changes over the years.

Vi said: “It was more or less just rugby when I first started, now we do a range of functions and parties and as well as wedding parties, we have a licence to do marriage ceremonies.

“I have enjoyed taking on these extra things as they have enabled me to meet many people from Morpeth and I’ve made an awful lot of friends, including people from visiting rugby clubs.

“I would like to thank all the presidents, committee members and regular members and others I’ve worked with during my time here. Once the season is over, I’m leaving the stewardship in the capable hands of Gary Stephenson.”

A Morpeth RFC spokesman said: “Throughout her tenure, Vi has brought total honesty and integrity to the club and she has been the advisor, confidant and supporter to all club presidents, who will continually be indebted to Vi for her unstinting assistance.”